What is the name of the chemical process that occurs in living organisms to nourish cells and carry out activities?

The correct answer is metabolism because it encompasses the entire range of biochemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life. Metabolism includes both catabolic pathways, where larger molecules are broken down into smaller, usable units, and anabolic pathways, where smaller units are synthesized into larger, complex molecules.

This process allows cells to obtain energy from nutrients, synthesize essential compounds, and eliminate waste. Metabolism is vital for growth, reproduction, and overall cellular function, playing a central role in how organisms adapt to their environments and sustain their biological activities.

Homeostasis refers to the maintenance of internal stability within an organism, while digestion specifically involves breaking down food into simpler components that can be absorbed, representing just one part of the broader metabolic process. Respiration is the process of converting nutrients into usable energy at a cellular level, which is a specific aspect of metabolism, but does not capture the full range of biochemical reactions involved.